Lukashenko eyes deployment of 10 "Oreshnik" missile systems in Belarus

President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, is hopeful that the country will be able to host around 10 "Oreshnik" missile systems.

"I think it will be about a dozen for now, and then we'll see," Lukashenko said during the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit in Russia, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Lukashenko added that "if the Russians want to deploy more, we will accommodate them," in response to a question from journalist Alexander Yunashyev.

The Belarusian President repeated his statement to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had approached him at that moment.

"Well, ten, what more do you want?" Putin responded.

Lukashenko clarified that he was "speaking with some margin."

To recall, EAEU summit has concluded at Igora Resort in the Leningrad Region, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his counterparts from the EAEU member states taking part in the discussions.

The leaders focused on advancing integration within the union, addressing key issues such as removing barriers in domestic markets, harmonizing financial regulations, and liberalizing the common services market. The creation of a unified market for gas, oil, and petroleum products was also highlighted.

The summit also set the direction for the Union’s international activities in 2025 and approved the budget for the year ahead. Around 20 agreements were signed, including a decision to grant Iran observer status within the EAEU.

On January 1, 2025, Belarus will assume the rotating presidency of the union, and President Alexander Lukashenko outlined his country’s priorities for its upcoming chairmanship.

Alongside the five member states—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan—the summit also welcomed delegations from observer nations Uzbekistan and Cuba, with Cuba participating via video link.

By Aghakazim Guliyev